Reflection for October 16 Thursday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 11:47-54

Gospel: Luke 11:47-54

The Lord said: “Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets whom your fathers killed. Consequently, you bear witness and give consent to the deeds of your ancestors, for they killed them and you do the building.

Therefore, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles; some of them they will kill and persecute’ in order that this generation might be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who died between the altar and the temple building.

Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood! Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility toward him and to interrogate him about many things, for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say.

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Reflection:

Why were the Pharisees and scribes angry with Jesus? It was because Jesus was telling the truth about their hypocrisy and double-speak. The truth hurts, but Jesus doesn’t mince words; He tells it as He sees it. He spoke directly to them without fear because He wanted them to open their minds to their pretensions and double standards.

Oftentimes, we too feel uncomfortable when the truth confronts us. It is never easy to hear words that reveal our weaknesses or shortcomings. But just like the Pharisees and scribes, we need those moments of truth to help us grow. When someone corrects us or points out our faults, we are invited to accept it as constructive criticism and look at it in a positive way.

Instead of being defensive, we can choose to learn, reflect, and improve ourselves. If we close our minds to correction, it’s like declaring that we no longer want to grow. And those who refuse to grow will never become the persons God wants them to be.

Let us remember that none of us is perfect except God. We all have our flaws, weaknesses, and shortcomings because we are imperfect human beings. But in God’s mercy, these imperfections are not meant to condemn us—they are opportunities for grace and transformation. What matters is that we accept correction with humility and use it as a stepping stone to become better and more fruitful disciples of Christ.

Let us, therefore, embrace a heart that listens, a mind that is teachable, and a spirit that remains humble before God. May we be open to advice, willing to be corrected, and courageous enough to grow in the areas where God is calling us to change. By doing so, we not only become better citizens of this world—we also prepare our hearts for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Are we humble and open enough to accept God’s gentle corrections—whether they come through His Word, through others, or through the stirrings of our own conscience—so that we may become the persons He created us to be? — Marino J. Dasmarinas